First Names on MC

[MrsPepper]

I noticed that quite a few people use their first names on here rather than hiding behind an alias.
I was wondering why people do this. Is it because maybe you are older and therefore unafraid of internet threats, because you feel safe here, because you just don't mind, or to be more personable to the people here? Or something else?
And people who don't, what are your reasons for hiding behind an alias? Is it paranoia or privacy?

 

[D'Snowth]

Because too many people are giving out my freakin' personal information that's why! It's called personal for a reason you know! Can't we just drop all of this already?!

 

[MrsPepper]

Drop what, Snowthy? This question came from my own pondering, and was not inspired by any events on the forum, if that's what you were getting at. Sorry if there's an unintentional correlation there somehow.

For me, I think it's mostly paranoia. I mean, I don't see any reason why it's a good idea to divulge my name. I can still post on here and be a good participating forum member, whether or not everyone knows my first name or whether I use an alias. Also, because forum posts are logged, if someone were so inclined, they could collect enough random bits of information about you to figure out who and where you are, etc. Though most people don't think they reveal things in silly posts, it's amazing how much we can reveal. And IMO, the name is just the last puzzle piece someone would need to find me. I am very careful about not being direct when speaking about myself. You could discover a few general things (gender, age range, etc) but not enough to pinpoint me, and I'd be much more comfortable staying anonymous.

Wow, I certainly wrote a book, didn't I?

 

[BEAR]

I just don't want to give out my last name.

 

[D'Snowth]

if someone were so inclined, they could collect enough random bits of information about you to figure out who and where you are, etc.

That's exactly what people have done/are doing to me!!!

Dang, now I'm ****** off again!

 

[RedDragon]

I just don't mind...and Lisa and I are friends in the real world, it would be weird to call eachother by aliases.

And if someone is so inclined to try and find me and do something illegal to me, they would quickly find themselves getting uncomfortable friendly with the business end of my butcher knife...

So on a lighter note...Lalalala

 

[Ilikemuppets]

I don't have a problem giving out my name.

 

[Kimp the Shrimp]

That's exactly what people have done/are doing to me!!!

Dang, now I'm ****** off again!

you would be mildly annoyed when he get mad

 

[abiraniriba]

Craig

I've let you guys in on my first name before as for why I use a screen name, it's because I like to have fun with what ever site I'm at.

Now would somebody please tell Gonzo to stop calling home on my phone, the bill is astronomical

 

[MartyMuppets]

I freely chose to let my forum friends know my real name Martin. And I rather like getting called Marty. My username is based upon my favourite character and I have no problem with the forum knowing me as Marty who likes Bill the Bubble Guy so much.